White House: President Obama spoke tonight with both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders

President Barack Obama telephoned both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders tonight to offer his congratulations to them on running inspiring campaigns, the White House said in a statement released moments ago. The President also accepted Bernie Sanders’ request for a meeting, which will take place on Thursday.

The full statement:

Tonight, President Obama called both Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders. The President congratulated both candidates for running inspiring campaigns that have energized Democrats, brought a new generation of Americans into the political process, and shined a spotlight on important policy ideas aimed at making sure our economy and our politics work for everybody, not just those with wealth and power.

The President congratulated Secretary Clinton for securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic Nomination for President.  Her historic campaign inspired millions and is an extension of her lifelong fight for middle-class families and children.

The President thanked Senator Sanders for energizing millions of Americans with his commitment to issues like fighting economic inequality and special interests’ influence on our politics.

In addition, at Senator Sanders’ request, the President and Senator Sanders will meet at the White House on Thursday to continue their conversation about the significant issues at stake in this election that matter most to America’s working families.

The President looks forward to continuing the conversation with Senator Sanders about how to build on the extraordinary work he has done to engage millions of Democratic voters, and to build on that enthusiasm in the weeks and months ahead.

Bernie Sanders is scheduled to speak to supporters tonight in California at around 10 PM Pacific. Early results show Hillary Clinton ahead.